The Department of Home Affairs is waging war against long queues!
The Department of Home Affairs is waging a war against long queues. As such we are introducing the Branch Appointment Booking System or BABS.
Citizens are encouraged to make use of the online booking system because in the near future, selected Home Affairs offices will process smart ID and passport applications only for clients who have booked an appointment through the Branch Appointment System.
Pre-booked clients will be serviced at dedicated counters. To book an appointment, visit www.dha.gov.za and click on BABS. It’s quick and easy.
The appointment booking system is one of the many strategies that we have introduced to fight the long queues.
Available at the following offices:
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Province |
Office/Branch |
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EASTERN CAPE |
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FREE STATE |
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GAUTENG |
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KWAZULU NATAL |
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LIMPOPO |
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MPUMALANGA |
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NORTHERN CAPE |
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NORTH WEST |
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WESTERN CAPE |
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
It is a system that allows clients to make an electronic booking for selected services at the Department of Home Affairs.
To reduce long queues and waiting times at offices when applying for smart ID cards and passports. This will also minimise the risk of the spread of Covid-19 infections at DHA offices. To ensure that citizens are serviced timeously and efficiently.
Those with bookings will be prioritised and will be allowed in the office to follow the normal internal processes.
Yes, they will be served as walk-ins, however it is advisable to make a booking so that you are guaranteed of the service on that particular day during your booked time slot provided that the system is up and running.
No, the booking system will prevent the illegal blocking of slots by agents intent on selling them to those in the queues as ID numbers will be used to verify clients when they book appointments. At the office, the office manager and supervisors will ensure the queues are monitored closely so that all clients are served and treated fairly. All clients are advised to report agents and culprits trying to sell places in the queue.
People will still be allowed to walk in if they do not have internet access. They will also be assisted to book should they agree to come on a different day.
No, the system only allows clients with valid RSA ID numbers to make bookings. Currently services offered on the booking system are for smart ID cards and passports.
No, the services are currently limited to smart ID card, and passport applications.
By visiting the Home Affairs website – at www.dha. gov.za. For guidance, clients may also call the Home Affairs Contact Centre (HACC) on 0800 60 11 90.
The system will automatically send you an SMS/email reminder 3 days before the appointment date.
Yes. An appointment can be cancelled after receipt of confirmation of a booking. The system allows clients to cancel or reschedule appointments. Appointment slots are displayed for a client to select a new date.
No. Appointments are not transferable.
It is possible to select another date and time, using the booking system. The office will prioritise everyone who was booked and not serviced when the system was down.
The booking system is accessible to all regardless of social or economic state.
The system is currently only available in English.
The difference between eHomeAffairs and BABS is that; eHomeAffairs allows the client to make a booking, upload documents and make payment then be processed at the Banks whilst BABS provides a client with an opportunity to book a time slot to get in the office. They are similar in that they allow clients to book a time slot for an application.
On the client’s side the main benefits of the booking system are that it allows clients to place their booking at a time that is most convenient for them. Using the online booking system, they can make their booking at any time of day or night, without having to worry if it’s within business hours or not. On the department’s side it helps with resources planning.
The booking list provided daily has contact numbers of clients which can be used proactively to alert them when the system is off-line.
There are three main steps to the booking system, the first of which is entering your South African ID number. After that, users are asked to enter their other personal details, including:
- Full name and surname
- Cell phone number
- Email address (optional)